DE602004003300T2 - User interface and control for a reel tine assembly - Google Patents

Description

The This invention relates to cutting drum units for mowers and more particularly to user interface and control systems for Cutting drum mechanisms and method for adjusting the cutting drum units.

conventional mowers have a fixed cutting drum unit or multiple units on. Such machines typically move the cutting drum unit next to the machine over the Ground. Grass below the cutting drum unit is mowed while itself the machine forward emotional. conventional Reel mower vehicles can include a plurality of arm members extending from the vehicle, each arm having one at its outer end part having attached cutting drum unit.

The Cutting drum units usually contain front and rear Runners or rollers that support the cutting drum unit or while mowing over the floor area wear. Such vehicles and cutting drum units are used for Example in U.S. Patents 5,343,680; 5,412,931 and 5,459,984.

The DE-A-21 01 518 shows a reel mower with an adjustable Cutting height, a frame with bearings for Wheels and support rollers and a cutting spindle and a counter cutting edge, which of slidably supported by the frame.

conventional Cutting drum units provide several knives for forming a generally cylindrical drum that extends around a transverse axis turns, are interconnected. The knives happen in immediate Close to a counter-blade, a scissor action for cutting plant matter, such as grass to produce. A frame usually takes the drum and the counterknife. Wheels, rollers or runners are connected to the frame to engage the ground or about that to roll and so the drum and the counter blade in a predetermined Height above that To support the floor functionally. The height, in which grass is cut, or the "cutting height", is therefore determined by the height in the wheels, Rollers or skids a frame, a drum and a shearbar over the Wear ground. Cutting drum units are usually used for mowing Golf courses or used in other areas where a more accurate cut is desirable is.

Around a high quality cut and a cut for several cutting drum units and over Mähgänge of a machine with It is uniform to produce a plurality of cutting drum units required that the cutting height for every Cutting drum unit is adjusted properly. It is known that reel mower have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the Spindelmähhöhe.

at Cutting height settings There is generally an accepted and common method with which the existing cutting height a cutting drum unit is determined and how far they are must be set to a target setting. In the process for adjusting the cutting height usually a measuring rod is attached to the counter-blade, that the top of the rod is parallel to a front, horizontal Position of the counterknife and at the desired distance below the cutting edge the counterknife is. Then the front and rear rollers Manually adjusted to fit with the top of the measuring rod get in touch.

Cutting reel units only cut properly if the distance between the drum and the counterknife is set correctly is. Currently, the distance between the drum and counterknife set manually. The adjustment takes place regularly and usually before use or during or after use, when a poor cut quality is detected. Sometimes done the setting such that the drum touches the bedknife, and then it allows the drum and the counterknife to pass in their position. Settings are also made after one Repair or replacement of the drum or counter-blade.

In particular, the distance between the drum and the counter-blade is adjusted by moving the drum away from the counter-blade such that a certain gap is allowed between the drum and the counter-blade, that is, uniformly over the length of the drum and the counter-blade. Then, the gap is measured by inserting a feeler gauge (having the same thickness as the adjustment gap) between the drum and the counterknife. The set gap between the drum and the bedknife is determined to be accurate if the feeler gauge can be smoothly moved between the drum and the bedknife along the full length of the drum and bedknife so that there is little resistance in the feeler gauge when passing over it Length is moved. To check the sharpness of the drum and counterknife and correct drum / counterknife distance adjustment, often a single strip of paper is inserted between the drum knife and the counterknife while the drum is manually turned forward. When the drum breaks the paper Sharpness and setting are usually determined to be correct. The quality of the cut of the piece of paper over the single sheet can be examined to see if the spacing is correct.

reel adjustments are required even if a cutting drum unit a is assigned to a new task, that is, when to cut one other grass species or grass is set to a different height. For the new one Task could a cutting drum unit, for example, one for one Golf course fairway suitable setting to one suitable for a golf course green Setting to be reset, the two surfaces are different Grass height requirements have. The design for However, a new task of a cutting drum unit is time consuming. This is especially true in view of the fact that for cutting from grass over a big Area, such as a golf course, usually every drum machine or associated with each drum vehicle multiple cutting drum units are. To the design of cutting drum units for new tasks To avoid many golf courses own cutting drum units or cutting machines associated with particular grass requirements or for that remain preset, that is a specific group of cutting units for different surfaces of the golf course. This technique requires several cutting units or cutting machines. Several cutting units or cutting machines can too higher Investment costs and maintenance costs.

The Inventors of the present specification have recognized that proper mower settings, such as for example, the cutting height and the distance between the drum and counterknife by manual Setting procedure time consuming and laborious and often difficult can be reached.

The Inventors of the present specification have recognized that the setting time and the accuracy and precision of these settings through an automated adjustment system can be.

The Inventors of the present specification have recognized that a need at a dynamic adjustment ability for multiple surface mowers or Mowers that several surfaces consists of mowing with different cutting requirements.

The Inventors of the present specification have a need for improvement of the adjustment process to a shorter one Adjustment time, easy adjustment and improved drum operating quality to ensure recognized.

The to be solved with the invention The task is to fulfill any or all of these needs to fulfill.

This Problem is solved according to the invention the teaching of claim 1 is solved, while features, which lead to the advantageous development of the solution, are given in the further claims.

The The invention provides a control system for adjusting the drum Cutting drum unit ready. The cutting drum unit can by a vehicle, such as a tractor, individually or as a majority of cutting drum units are carried or attached thereto be attached or can be in a ride-on mower, a hand-held lawnmower or a lawn tractor also singly or as a majority of cutting drum units be included. The cutting drum can be driven by one or more hydraulic motors, Electric motors, by the traction drive of the mower or the mowing vehicle or be rotationally driven by any other drive.

The Invention provides a user interface to dialing and Initiation of drum settings, to select drum parameters or settings, to calibrate one or more drum units or setting them to new tasks, to enter preset ones Setting values and / or for making fine adjustments on selected Drum settings performed is.

The Control system can adjust the distance between the drum and counterknife, the cutting height, control the lateral leveling of the drum and the drum speed.

The The invention provides a control system for adjusting the drum Cutting drum unit ready to use a cutting drum, one by at least a support element, that supported on the ground and is movable therealong, supported frame supporting the cutting drum on the frame carried counter blade, at least one actuator, the for adjusting the distance between the drum and the counterknife adjustable, one with the actuator signal connected control for adjusting the actuator and an operator input station connected to the controller contains wherein the operator input station or the "user interface" comprises an input part, such as a keyboard part, and includes a display part, wherein the distance is displayed on the display part and the distance over the Control by operator input in the input part can be changed specifically can.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, a control system may include a cutting height adjustment system Provide one by at least one support element resting on the ground supported and is movable along, supported frame, one at the frame supported cutting drum, a counter-blade carried on the frame, the drum and the counterknife have a cutting line between them define an operatively connected between the frame and the counterknife Actuator used to adjust the height of the cut line for adjustment a cutting height the cutting drum unit is arranged, one with the actuator signal-connected control and one with the controller. signal-connected Operator input station or "user interface" that has an input part, such as a keyboard part, and includes a display part, contains the cutting height is displayed on the display part and by operator input in the Input part changed specifically can be.

The Control system may include the drum / counterblade pitch adjustment system and the cutting height adjustment system, Drum orientation as described in the previous two paragraphs by independent Adjusting the cutting height at both ends of the drum and drum speed selection in a control system contain.

The Operator input station can be permanently mounted with the controller be around while the operation with the cutting drum unit to be transported.

Of the Distance and / or the cutting height can by activating a button on the input part to a predetermined one Value to be reset.

Of the Distance and / or the cutting height can using the input part from a list of selectable ones intervals and / or cutting heights, displayed on the display part.

Of the Distance and / or the cutting height can manually changed by operator input into the input part.

One touch sensor for detecting a touch between the drum and the counterknife can be provided wherein the controller is configured to select one of the selectable ones Distance than the polling interval to initiate a routine, the Drum and the bedknife are brought together until by the touch sensor a touch is detected, and the controller then adjusts the actuator to the Drum around the selected one Distance from the counter blade to separate.

Of the Input part of the operator input station may have a reset or adjusting knob, the position of the second actuator and a measured cutting height reference position calibrated. This position of the actuator is preferably the blocked position of the actuator, in which the counter blade against a cutting height measuring rod depressed becomes.

The Cutting drum unit control system can be replaced by a variety of Control architectures, such as a distributed controller or a centralized controller. The control protocol can be CAN, serial or any other control protocol.

The Cutting drum unit control system can automatically self-adjusting whereby the drum settings, such as the drum speed, the cutting height, the lateral drum leveling and the distance between the drum and the counterknife, be corrected periodically. Furthermore, the control system automatically correct the distance between the drum and the counterknife, if during operation a touch between the drum and the counterknife is detected.

The Cutting drum unit control system can be used as a central controller or by on each cutting unit arranged controls or even configured by a local controller associated with each actuator be. The operator input system can communicate with the controller (s) on a mowing vehicle be mounted on a permanent basis with the controller (s) or it can be a separate operator input system be that can be connected to multiple controls to settings It may then be disconnected from the controller (s) and from the mowing vehicle be removed. The cutting reel unit control system may Operator or automatic initiation of a setting routine in a central control or by operator or automatic Initiate the control routines performed by the controllers at each Cutting drum unit or be set on each actuator.

The Cutting drum unit adjustment can be made by an externally of the Cutting unit located control done, such as by a control unit used in a workshop for re-setting or to design a cutting unit for a new task for a preselected Grass state or a selective one grass area and desired cutting height is used.

The disclosed invention provides advantages in that the device and method Allow a quick and automatic adjustment of the gap between the drum and counter-blade without operator intervention after initiation of adjustment by the operator. The drum can be adjusted in seconds. The method has speed and continuity advantages over manual adjustment and does not require detection of poor cut quality or excessive surface wear to perform the automatic adjustment.

The The disclosed invention provides advantages in that the device and the method a quick and automatic adjustment of the cutting height without Operator intervention after initiation of adjustment by the operator allow. The drum can be adjusted in seconds. The procedure points opposite a manual setting up and requires speed and continuity benefits no detection of poor cut quality, automatic adjustment perform.

By automatic execution These settings can be the Trommeleinstellprozess without presence be accomplished more continuously by a skilled mechanic. Of Further ensures the automated setting the ability for support autonomous facilities.

The Control system allows one or more cutting drum units fast for a new task to be designed to different grass heights for different surfaces to cut a golf course. The system allows a single Cutting drum unit for several golf course areas can be used.

numerous Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent the following detailed Description of the invention and its embodiments, from the claims and from the attached Draws easily out.

In In the drawings, an embodiment described below the invention shown; in the drawings show:

1 a perspective view of a cutting drum unit according to the invention;

2 a bottom perspective view of the cutting drum unit of 1 ;

3 a sectional partial view generally along the line 3-3 of 1 wherein parts of the cutting unit have been removed for clarity of description and the drum is pivoted away from the counter-blade;

4 a sectional view of an actuator as shown in FIG 3 ;

5 a schematic diagram of a control system of the present invention;

6 a schematic block diagram illustrating a method according to the present invention;

7 a schematic block diagram of the control system architecture of the present invention;

8th a schematic plan view of an operator input station according to the invention;

9 a schematic plan view of the operator input station of 8th in a cutting height adjustment window;

10 a schematic plan view of the operator input station of 9 in the cutting height setting window;

11 a schematic plan view of the operator input station of 8th in the cutting height calibration window;

12 a schematic plan view of the operator input station of 8th in an auto-tuning operation window for adjusting the gap between the drum and the counter-blade;

13 a schematic plan view of the operator input station of 12 in a fine adjustment operation window for adjusting the gap between the drum and the counterknife;

14 a plan view of an alternative user interface according to the invention, showing a drum height adjustment window;

15 a top view of the alternative user interface showing a cutting height status window;

16 a plan view of the alternative user interface showing a cutting height drum control window;

17 a top view of the alternative user interface showing a Schnitthöhenkalibrierfenster;

18 a top view of the alternative user interface showing a Schnitthöhenkalibrierstatusfenster;

19 a plan view of the alternative user interface, which is a control window for the Ab stood between drum and counter cutting shows;

20 a top view of the alternative user interface, showing a status window for adjusting the distance between the drum and counterknife;

21 a plan view of the alternative user interface, showing a window for the preference setting for the distance between the drum and counter blade.

Although the present invention can be carried out in a variety of forms can, be special embodiments thereof shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, wherein the present disclosure, of course considered as an illustration of the principles of the invention and the invention is not limited to the particulars shown embodiments restrict should.

The 1 and 2 show a mower cutting drum unit 10 according to the present invention. The mower cutting drum unit 10 is designed so that it can be towed by a vehicle, alone or in a group of equal units, as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,343,680; 5,412,931 or 5,459,984, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Several knives 11 are so interconnected that they are a generally cylindrical drum 12 form, in the immediate vicinity of an edge 14a a counter-blade 14 turns around a transverse axis ( 2 ) to cut plant matter, such as grass, with a shearing action. One on one side of a general drum 12 receiving and supporting framework 18 worn engine 16 drives the drum 12 at. The motor 16 can be a hydraulic or an electric motor or a motor of another kind. Alternatively, a power transmission arrangement between the traction drive of the machine or vehicle and the drum may be used to rotate the drum. In the figures, a hydraulic motor is shown.

The inner frame 18 is from an outer frame 22 carried. The outer frame 22 is on front and rear rollers 24 respectively. 26 supported. The inner frame 18 is through actuators 30 . 32 and by pursuit 36 . 36 on the outer frame 22 supported. The aspiration 36 . 36 have a substantially mirror-image identical configuration. A push or pull frame 42 is between the inner and outer frame 18 . 22 arranged. The train frame 42 contains vertical plates 44 . 46 going through in slots 52a . 54a arranged pins 56 . 58 on the side plates 52 . 54 of the outer frame 22 are attached. The slots 52a . 54a are part of a mechanism that allows the drum to be pushed from behind while rolling and still touches the ground with the back end when lowering.

A crossbeam 48 connects the side plates 44 . 46 , A vehicle connection or lift arm may be in a selected position along the cross member 48 engage the cutting unit 10 to drag or push along the ground during the cutting process.

Furthermore, the outer frame contains 22 adjustable support members 62 . 62 passing through fasteners 66 with a respective side plate 52 . 54 are connected. The support members 62 . 62 have a substantially mirror-image identical configuration. The limbs 62 . 62 extend down to over boards 72 . 72 with front support arrangements 76 . 76 to be connected by the front roller 24 be supported. The front support arrangements 76 . 76 have a substantially mirror-image identical configuration.

plates 84 . 84 connect the side plates 52 . 52 the outer frame with rear support assemblies 88 . 88 passing through ends of the rear roller 26 be supported. The rear support arrangements 88 . 88 have a substantially mirror-image identical configuration.

The inner frame 18 contains side plates 106 . 106 passing through cross beams 112 . 114 connected to each other. The side plates 106 . 106 have a substantially mirror-image identical configuration. Between the bars 112 . 114 over the drum 12 is a grass deflecting plate 118 arranged. The side panels each contain a front flange 122 , A pipe 126 is with each of the front flanges 122 welded. Furthermore, a pipe 132 with each of the limbs 62b welded. bearings 140 are arranged in each tube, and it will be a pin, a screw or other fastener 142 for pivotally connecting each of the angled struts 36 with a respective pair of pipes 126 . 132 used.

2 shows a detector 320 (described below), attached to a plate 298 attached and next to an end wall 14b the counter-blade 14 is arranged. An identical detector 320 can be installed in a mirror-image manner on an opposite end wall of the counter-blade.

3 shows components on the right side of the unit 10 , The components on the left are configured in substantially the same but mirrored fashion. The actuators 30 . 32 each contain a motor drive 30a , a housing 30b and one out of a bottom of the case 30b out extending actuator rod 30c , The pole 30c is determined by a selected direction of rotation of the motor drive 30a vertically out of the case 30b extended or retracted. The housing 30b is by fasteners 143 on the respective side plate 106 attached. The pole 30c is by a fastener or a pin 146 swiveling on the outer frame 22 , in particular on the respective side plate 52 attached to the outer frame.

Thus, by the extension of the rods 30c from the housings 30b the actuators 30 . 32 the inner frame 18 with respect to the outer frame 22 raised. By retracting the rod 30c in the case 30b the actuators 30 . 32 becomes the inner frame 18 with respect to the outer frame 22 lowered.

The aspiration 36 . 36 ( 1 and 2 ) prevent excessive tilting of the inner frame 18 , which is raised or lowered at its rear part, forwards or backwards and ensure a substantially vertical raising or lowering of the inner frame 18 , The geometry of the frame 18 . 22 , Striving 36 . 36 and actuators 30 . 32 tilts the drum and the counter blade with increasing cutting height advantageously slightly forward. This change in the "angle of attack" leads to a more effective cut.

The actuators 202 . 204 are on a front of the inner frame 18 adjacent opposite ends of the drum 12 intended. As in 3 As shown, the actuators each include a motor actuator 202a , a housing 202b and an actuator rod 202c , The housing 202b is by fasteners 212 on the respective side plate 10b attached. The bars 202c . 202c are on respective drum bearing housings 216 . 216 attached to the drum 12 at opposite ends of the inner frame 18 to store. Every bar 202c is with a ball joint 220 pinned by an elongated pin 226 at the respective housing 216 is attached.

Each drum bearing housing 216 is by a pin or a fastener 230 with a respective. side plate 106 pinned. Extending or retracting the rods 202c . 202c with respect to the housing 202b . 202b the actuators 202 . 204 pivots the drum bearing housing 216 . 216 around the pins or fasteners 230 . 230 , As in 4 can be represented by extending the rods 202c . 202c and pivoting the drum housing 216 . 216 the knife 11 closer to the counterknife 14 or get further away from it ( 2 ), in particular closer to an edge 14a the counter-blade 14 or further away.

4 shows a typical actuator 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 , such as the actuator 202 , The actuator 202 contains the motor drive 202a , the case 202b and the pole 202c , In the case 202b there is a drive or threaded spindle 260 by a stepper motor 266 of the motor drive 202a is rotated. Because the threaded spindle 260 an extension of the motor shaft 268 is, it is through the stepper motor 266 turned.

The pole 202c is a substantially hollow cylinder and contains a rod end part 274 caused by a mutual thread engagement on a bar body part 276 is attached. The threaded spindle 260 extends essentially through the body part 276 , A running mother 280 is at the bar body part 276 attached. A game removal mother 288 is on the threaded spindle 260 screwed.

The game removal mother 288 further includes an Acme thread, preferably made of plastic, and communicates with the external thread of the threaded spindle 260 engaged.

The game removal mother 288 contains a convex, tapered surface 290 to one. concave, tapered surface 292 of the bar body part 276 or on the rod body part 276 attached nut 286 encounters.

A coil spring 296 surrounds the threaded spindle 260 , The coil spring 296 is at one end 296a with the game clearance nut and at an opposite end 296b with the rod end part 274 connected.

On the game removal mother 288 and the spring 296 can with the actuators 30 . 32 be omitted, where no fine positioning accuracy is required. The game clearance feature is on the actuators 202 . 204 most advantageous in which a Feinpositioniergenauigkeit is desired.

The motor drive 202a contains a housing 297 , the windings 298 , Camp 308 and an optical encoder 310 encloses. The encoder 310 contains a target slice 312 and a reading head 314 , The reading head 314 includes two spaced-apart light-emitting and reading devices used to determine the position of the rotating target disk and also its direction of rotation. The reading head 314 is with a circuit board 315 signal-connected, via a plug 316 and a cable or wiring to the controller 300 is signal-connected.

To adjust the absolute position of the rod, the rod can be driven by the stepper motor 266 extended or retracted to a maximum or minimum extent until the engine 266 blocked. In this position, the encoder no longer sends pulses to the controller as the target disc stops rotating. This sets the maximum extension or maximum retraction. The stepper motor 266 can then be reversed and selectively driven to a preselected extent to the rod end portion 274 to adjust properly.

5 shows a controller 300 , such as a microprocessor used to control the actuators 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 is used. The controller can be a MOTOROLA POWER PC MPC555, which is signal-coupled to power electronics for each actuator, such as multiple IMS IB462H units. An operator input station or an operator interface 306 is intended to provide instructions to the controller 300 to give. The operator interface is "signal connected" to the controller, that is to say it is in signal communication with the controller, and the signal connection may be a wired or wireless connection, such as radio or infrared, preferably through a serial connection. The input station can be as below with reference to the 8th - 21 be configured described.

Furthermore, the cutting drum unit control system may also be automatically self-adjusting while periodically correcting the drum settings such as drum speed, cutting height, lateral drum leveling, and drum-to-bed distance, or to correct the drum-to-bed distance when in use by the detector 320 a contact between the drum and the counter-blade is detected.

The cutting drum unit control system may be configured as a central controller or by controllers located on each cutting unit or even by a local controller associated with each actuator. The controller (s) react (respond) to the operator input station 306 , The cutting reel unit control system may be adjusted after initiation by the operator or after automatically initiating an adjustment routine in a central control or by operator initiation or automatic initiation of control routines by controls on each cutting unit or on each actuator.

The adjustment of the cutting drum unit may be performed by an operator input station or interface 306 which may be aboard the vehicle moving the cutting drum unit or outside the cutting drum unit, such as by an operator input station operating in a workshop for re-setting or assigning a new task to the cutting unit for a preselected grass condition or surface Cutting height is used. The control 300 may also be located outside of the cutting unit for adjusting the cutting drum unit.

The Adjustment of the cutting drum can also be initiated by that the controller is based on an external sensor, such as a grasshook sensor, or to a position sensor and / or transmitter on the cutting unit or responding to the cutting machine, with an external ground-based System or a global positioning system (GPS) stands. Through these systems responding to external conditions along with the on-board control systems as described here is the Implementation of the control system either in a manned cutting machine or an autonomous cutting machine.

To the Example could different surfaces of a Golf course shown electronically and in the onboard or remote Control can be preprogrammed, and such a controller could with communicate with the external positioning system and then the actuators adjust the cutting unit to the type of grass, the area and the desired cutting lines for corresponding surfaces of the golf course.

The operator, via the input station 306 , or the controller responding to an automatic routine, the drum motor 16 specify the drum speed and the direction of rotation.

A drum speed sensor 330. can the drum 12 or the drum motor 16 or any other associated rotary element associated with the controller 300 to communicate the drum speed. The speed sensor 330. may be of a known type which detects the rotational speed by magnetic or optical targets rotating with the drum, motor or other rotary element and detected by a stationary sensor. The controller can work with a system 350 be signal-connected, the speed and the direction of rotation of the drum motor 16 for adjusting the speed and the direction of rotation of the drum 12 controls. When using a hydraulic motor, the system 350 the speed and direction control of a hydraulic pump 352 , which drives the hydraulic motor, and / or a current control of the valve assembly 354 contain the hydraulic fluid from the engine 16 diverts away to adjust the speed, and / or the hydraulic fluid flow reverses to the direction of rotation of the motor 16 to change. The control 300 can the speed of the drum 12 based on grass or grass type based operator or other input.

The speed information from the speed sensor 330. can over the interface 306 be accessible to the operator and set by selection of the operator from a selection of preselected speeds or by manual adjustment.

The operator, via the input station 306 or the controller responding to an automatic routine may initiate adjustment of the cutting height, for example in mm, as well as the automatic adjustment of the distance between the drum and the counterknife. For example, to adjust the gap between the drum and counterknife, as explained below, operator or automatic initiation, control may be via the system 350 the drum motor 16 to control the drum 12 in a reverse direction before the adjustment procedure is initiated by the operator. The actuator pairs 30 . 32 ; 202 . 204 can be adjusted individually to set a desired lateral degree of either the cutting height or the distance between the drum and the counterknife. A position signal S1 from each actuator read head 314 gets to the controller 300 forwarded, and it is suitable signal conditioning and / or amplification, a suitable drive signal S2 to the stepper motor 266 each actuator sent to the rod end parts 274 with respect to the respective actuator body 30b . 202b the actuators 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 to position.

The detector 320 ( 2 ) may be used to detect the contact between the drum and the bedknife during operation to generate an alarm or otherwise note or record the event and / or may be used to adjust the distance between the drum and bedknife. The detector 320 can be of various kinds, for example a speedometer or a sound detector.

The detector 320 may be a sound detector, such as a microphone such as an EMKAY MR-3151 from Emkay Innovative Products, located in Itasca, Illinois, USA. The microphone may be encapsulated in polyurethane for protection and strain relief of associated signal wires. The detector 320 can be in close proximity to the bedknife 14 be provided.

The detector 320 in the form of a microphone may be embedded in the counter-blade or mounted in the vicinity of the counter-blade to detect the contact of the drum with the counter-blade during the adjustment procedure.

According to one embodiment, the detector or detectors may or may not 320 , in the form of a microphone or microphones, in the case 297 of the motor drive 202a one or both of the actuators 202 . 204 be arranged (see 4 ). In particular, each microphone, for example by an adhesive, on the circuit board arranged in the housing 315 be attached. The microphone circuitry and wiring may be integrated into the circuit board, and the signal connection wiring may share the same line with the encoder wiring.

By placing the microphone (s) in the actuator (s), the protected environment in the housing (s) can be used to protect the microphone (s). This represents an operational and manufacturing advantage in terms of cost savings. Since sound and vibration travel through the structure of the drum unit, it is not essential to use the sensor (s). 320 to mount in the immediate vicinity of the counter-blade.

Furthermore, the invention comprises the mounting of the sensor (s) 320 in the actuators 30 . 32 ,

The detector 320 is with the controller 300 signal-connected. Advantageously, the drum 12 turned back during a setup procedure, and the detector 320 detects any touch or "click" between the drum blades of the rotating drum 12 and the counterknife 14 and reports this to the controller. Preferably, two detectors 320 . 320 provided, one on each end wall 14b the counterknife, albeit a single detector 320 could be used, which would be arranged in a position in which sound from the contact of the drum blades can be detected at one of the two ends of the counter-blade.

According to one Method in which the noise generated by the drum through a microphone or alternatively detected by an accelerometer is the resulting vibrations are analyzed to the Presence or absence of touch.

The algorithm used to analyze the noise is designed to detect a particularly prominent resonance point in the detected sound at the click of the drum and counter-blade. The resonance will be through a signal power Estimated spectral power density (PSD) within a single frequency range. The single-domain method calculates the psd in only a single narrow frequency range (or frequency gate) of interest. By thus reducing the psd algorithm, the required computational effort versus full psd is significantly reduced. This type of algorithm is used to reduce the sensitivity to disturbing ambient noise. The resonance can also be detected by using an analog or discrete narrow band (or notch) switched capacitor bandpass that rectifies the filter output and then detecting the DC level of the resulting signal.

When Alternative to this is a simple algorithm that reduces the noise level detected when the drum and the counter-blade touch each other but this algorithm can be sensitive to environmental noise be.

A method for accurately positioning the drum 12 with regard to the counterknife 14 using the sound detector (s) 320 is in 6 cited. The methods of the invention may all be automatically implemented under the direction of the controller after initiation by an operator. Although the method below is described as being initiated by an operator, the method may also be initiated automatically during operation, initiated by the controller periodically or by sensing the contact between the drum and counterknife in operation, or by changing the task assignment for the drum. that is, a new type of grass or grass length to be cut, to be initiated. This change in drum assignment may be initiated by a remote signal or by a detected signal, such as a grass height sensor or a ground based or GPS based position signal.

• 1. Registrieren der Einstellmechanismen 202, 204 durch Bewegen der Trommeleinstellmechanismen 202, 204 in bekannte Positionen, insbesondere Bewegen der Stangen 202c in bekannte Positionen bezüglich. der Körper 202b unter Verwendung der Antriebsmotoren 202a;
• 2. Drehen der Trommel 12 in Rückwärtsrichtung von der normalen Betriebsrichtung, wobei die normale Betriebsrichtung die Richtung entgegen dem Uhrzeigersinn ist, wie in der rechtsseitigen Ansicht von 9 zu sehen, das heißt, in Normalbetrieb dreht sich der untere Teil der Trommel 12 zur Gegenschneide;
• 3. Bewegen der Trommel 12 zur Gegenschneide 14 um eine gleiche vorgewählte Strecke an beiden Enden der Trommel, insbesondere durch Verwendung der Antriebsmotoren 202a zur Bewegung der Stangen 202c in einem gleichen vorgewählten Ausmaß bezüglich der Körper 202b;
• 4. Bewegen der Trommel 12 zur Gegenschneide 14 an einem ersten Ende der Trommel durch einen kontinuierlichen Schritt oder durch inkrementale Schritte des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 202, bis ein Kontakt zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide durch den benachbarten Detektor 320 erfasst wird, insbesondere durch Verwendung des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 202 zum Ausfahren der Stange 202c bezüglich des Körpers 202b; wobei der Kontakt als ein schwaches Klickgeräusch erfasst werden kann, das durch den als Mikrofon vorliegenden Detektor 320 erfasst wird;
• 5. Bewegen der Trommel 12 an dem ersten Ende der Trommel von der Gegenschneide 14 weg, um einen Abstand mit einer kleinen vordefinierten Strecke „y" zu erzeugen, wobei y > gewünschte Spaltbreite ist, insbesondere durch Verwendung des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 202 zum Einziehen der Stange 202c bezüglich des Körpers 202b;
• 6. Bewegen der Trommel 12 zur Gegenschneide 14 an einem gegenüberliegenden Ende der Trommel durch einen kontinuierlichen Schritt oder durch inkrementale Schritte des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 204, bis eine Berührung, ein schwaches Klicken, zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide durch den benachbarten Schalldetektor 320 erfasst wird, insbesondere durch Verwendung des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 204, um die Stange 202c bezüglich des Körpers 202b auszufahren; die Berührung kann als ein schwaches Klickgeräusch erfasst werden, das durch den in Form eines Mikrofons vorliegenden Detektor 320 erfasst wird;
• 7. Bewegen der Trommel 12 am gegenüberliegenden Ende der Trommel von der Gegenschneide 14 weg, um einen Abstand mit einer kleinen vordefinierten Strecke y zu erzeugen, insbesondere durch Verwendung des Antriebsmotors 202a des Stellglieds 204 zum Einziehen der Stange 202c bezüglich des Körpers 202b; und
• 8. Wiederholen der Einstellung der Schritte 4 bis 7 „n"-Mal, wobei „n" experimentell so vorbestimmt wird, dass es die Mindestanzahl von Zyklen ist, die die genaue vordefinierte Strecke y an beiden Enden der Trommel erzeugt. Derzeit wird angenommen, dass nur wenige Zyklen der Schritte 4 bis 7, wie zum Beispiel n = 3, dazu erforderlich sind, eine genaue vordefinierte Strecke y an beiden Enden der Trommel zu erzeugen. Als Alternative dazu können die genauen Stellen des ersten Trommelendes bezüglich der Gegenschneide in Positionen vor Schritt 4 und nach Schritt 5 gespeichert und verglichen werden, bis eine einheitliche Strecke y zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide an jedem Trommelende erreicht wird. Die genauen Stellen werden durch die Kodierer 310 der Stellglieder 202, 204 bereitgestellt und an die Steuerung gesandt.
• 9. Nach Einstellung der genauen Strecke y an beiden Enden der Trommel, Bewegen der Enden der Trommel um die Differenz zwischen der vordefinierten Strecke y und der vorgewählten Spaltbreite (y minus Spaltbreite) zur Gegenschneide, um die vorgewählte Spaltbreite zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide einzustellen. Indem zunächst der vorgewählte Abstand y zwischen Trommel und Gegenschneide als vorletzte Einstellung genau eingestellt und dann anschließend dieser Abstand auf die kleinere Spaltbreite verringert wird, wird die Erfassungsgenauigkeit des Verfahrens verbessert, weil eine Berührung zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide während des Klick-Erfassungszyklus eher auf eine Berührung an den äußeren Enden der Trommel beschränkt wird. Die sich ergebende Spaltbreite zwischen der Trommel und der Gegenschneide kann in einem Bereich von ca. 0,001 bis 0,003 Zoll liegen, ist aber nicht darauf beschränkt.

A method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• 1. Registering the setting mechanisms 202 . 204 by moving the drum adjustment mechanisms 202 . 204 in known positions, in particular moving the rods 202c in known positions regarding. the body 202b using the drive motors 202a ;
• 2. Turn the drum 12 in the reverse direction from the normal operating direction, the normal operating direction being the counterclockwise direction, as in the right side view of FIG 9 to see, that is, in normal operation, the lower part of the drum rotates 12 to the counterknife;
• 3. Move the drum 12 to the counterknife 14 by a same preselected distance at both ends of the drum, in particular by using the drive motors 202a to move the bars 202c in a similar preselected extent to the body 202b ;
• 4. Move the drum 12 to the counterknife 14 at a first end of the drum by a continuous step or by incremental steps of the drive motor 202a of the actuator 202 until a contact between the drum and the counter-blade by the adjacent detector 320 is detected, in particular by using the drive motor 202a of the actuator 202 for extending the rod 202c concerning the body 202b ; wherein the contact may be detected as a weak clicking sound through the detector present as a microphone 320 is recorded;
• 5. Move the drum 12 at the first end of the drum from the counter-blade 14 away to create a distance with a small predefined distance "y", where y> desired gap width, in particular by using the drive motor 202a of the actuator 202 for retracting the rod 202c concerning the body 202b ;
• 6. Move the drum 12 to the counterknife 14 at an opposite end of the drum by a continuous step or by incremental steps of the drive motor 202a of the actuator 204 until a touch, a weak click, between the drum and the counterknife by the adjacent sound detector 320 is detected, in particular by using the drive motor 202a of the actuator 204 to the pole 202c concerning the body 202b extend; the touch can be detected as a faint click sound coming from the microphone-shaped detector 320 is recorded;
• 7. Move the drum 12 at the opposite end of the drum from the counter-blade 14 away to create a distance with a small predefined distance y, in particular by using the drive motor 202a of the actuator 204 for retracting the rod 202c concerning the body 202b ; and
• 8. Repeat the setting of steps 4-7 "n" times, where "n" is experimentally determined to be the minimum number of cycles that will produce the exact predefined distance y at both ends of the drum. Currently, it is believed that only a few cycles of steps 4-7, such as n = 3, are required to produce an accurate predefined distance y at both ends of the drum. Alternatively, the exact locations of the first end of the drum with respect to the bedknife may be in positions prior to step 4 and after step 5 saved and compared until a uniform Distance y between the drum and the counterknife is reached at each end of the drum. The exact digits are given by the encoders 310 the actuators 202 . 204 provided and sent to the controller.
• 9. After adjusting the exact distance y at both ends of the drum, move the ends of the drum by the difference between the predefined distance y and the preselected gap width (y minus gap width) to the bedknife to set the preselected gap width between the drum and the bedknife , By first accurately adjusting the preselected distance y between the drum and counterknife as the penultimate setting, and then subsequently reducing that distance to the smaller nip width, the detection accuracy of the method is improved because contact between the drum and the counterknife tends to occur during the click-sensing cycle a touch is limited at the outer ends of the drum. The resulting gap width between the drum and the counterknife may be in the range of about 0.001 to 0.003 inches, but is not limited thereto.

Other methods embraced by the invention are also possible. The process step 1 above can be omitted. The process step 2 may be omitted or modified, the drum 12 is rotated in normal operating direction. The method step 3 can be modified, wherein the drum 12 around a preselected distance at both ends of the drum from the bedknife 14 is moved away. The method steps 5 and 7 may be modified, wherein the small predefined distance y may be equal to the actual gap width, and then the method step 9 may be omitted.

Although Take the steps to move the drum to the bedknife or move away from it, this is further interpreted as a relative movement and such a relative movement would also move the drum to a stationary Counterknife and away from it, moving the counterknife to one stationary Drum and away from it or moving both drum and counterknife to each other or away from each other.

7 provides a generalized control scheme for the operator interface 306 and the drum settings. The operator interface 306 is with the vehicle control 300 preferably via a serial connection 368 signal-connected. The vehicle control 300 is with the drum hardware, especially the actuators 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 , signal-connected. The actuators 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 can then be initialized, step 370 , such as being registered by selection, or being moved or calibrated to a home position or blocking position when such routines are selected. After initialization, the system waits, step 374 , to a setting command, such as an automatic setting or manual setting selection. Then a cutting height adjustment 376 or a drum counterknife setting 378 be undertaken. The procedure of 7 will be described in the following description and in the 8th - 21 explained and developed further.

8th shows an embodiment of an operator input station or user interface 306 for the cutting drum system. the interface 306 can be used to set several drums, such as drum units AA, BB and CC. It is typical that a mowing vehicle would pull or push three drum units. 8th shows a start or an exit window. This user interface contains an input part 402 and a display part 404 ,

The display part 404 Can have multiple LCD segments 408 contain. The input part 402 can a keyboard 409 with 12 membrane switches 412 include five cutting heights A, B, C, D or E, setup, next, exit, three arrow switches, two for up and down to change the value, and another to advance the digit and input. The display part 404 also includes boxes around the left and right display. A horizontal line 413 will be on the LCD glass 414 shown. The actual cutting heights and markings A, B, C, D or E are displayed above the line with a corresponding pictogram. Below the line, the setpoint for the various cutting heights, setup information for adjusting the gap between the drum and the counterknife and a warning pictogram are displayed.

the interface 306 is advantageously simple and immediately understandable for improved understanding of the user and operation.

9 shows a window that results after the cutting height switch A is pressed from the exit window, Figure B. The cutting height setpoint is shown below the horizontal line in small letters. In this example, the cutting height "A" is 50 mm, for example.

10 shows the window that results after choosing a new cutting height "C." In this example, the cutting height "C" has been preset to 15.5 mm. If desired, arrows can be used to enter new heights, the horizontal arrow for the digit and the up / down arrows for value changes. The triangle indicates which digit is changed by the up / down arrows. Other letters may be pressed to indicate other stored values. After selecting the value, the input switch is activated to change the setting. The large display shows the current value change from, for example, 50 to 15.5, and the display A changes to display C. If the value for C, in this example 15.5, can not be reached, a warning icon appears and the large display flashes. After 30 seconds, the small number remains, but the C next to the small number and the triangle disappear to prevent accidental changes to the setting. By pressing a letter, the value can be changed again.

11 shows the setup page for recalibrating the cutting heights. First, the setup button is pressed. The calibration should be as automatic as possible with minimal user input. The display will show "CAL." Calibration will begin when the user presses Enter Pressing the "next" button will advance to the next choice and list of possible setup procedures, such as:
"Calibrate cut height" to a cutting height with a position of the actuators 30 . 32 to calibrate for any drum;
"Reel AA auto gap" to run the drum counterblade adjustment procedure for the drum AA;
"Reel BB auto gap" to run the drum counterblade adjustment operation for the drum BB;
"Reel CC auto gap" to run the drum counterblade adjustment operation for the drum CC;
"Reel AA left manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the bedknife or the cutting height on the left side of drum AA;
"Reel AA right manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the counterknife or the cutting height on the right side of the drum AA;
"Reel BB left manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the counterknife or the cutting height on the left side of the drum BB;
"Reel BB right manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the counterblade or the cutting height on the right side of the drum BB;
"Reel CC left manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the bedknife or the cutting height on the left side of the drum CC;
"Reel CC right manual" to manually adjust either the gap between the drum and the bedknife or the cutting height on the right side of the drum CC.

By To press Exit button exits the setup mode and returns to Operating page back.

12 shows the automatic setting for the counter-cutting gap for the left drum, drum AA. To get to this page from the previous page, press the "next" button To start automatic adjustment, press the Enter button, the small numbers could be used for status or feedback as needed "Button is pressed to set the center drum, the drum BB, and the process is repeated. The large letters indicate "GAP" to show that the counter cut gap is being adjusted.

13 shows another setting on the split window. From the previous page, press the "next" button and press the "next" button until the desired drum actuator is selected, L or R. The triangle indicates that the whole number is being changed. If the value is correct, the enter button is pressed to activate. The "next" button is pressed for more calibration operations, or the exit button is pressed to return to the operation page.

14 shows an alternative embodiment of the operator input station 306a , In this embodiment, a commercially available PDA (personal digital assistant) is used. 306a , such as a CASIO INDUSTRIAL VERSION PDA or EG800. 14 shows a cutting height window on the PDA 306a ,

The cutting height function is controlled by the following buttons and process:
(5) preset heights with the ability to change presets
(1) "do it now" or "send" button to initiate a height change
(1) preference button,
(1) calibration button,
(1) registration button,
(1) reset button to return to preset value preferences
(1) Set the drum-to-knife distance adjustment knob ("R2B") to move to drum counterknife setting routing ( 16 - 21 ).

The 15 and 16 show windows that point to the send or preferences button from the drum control window ( 14 ) react. 15 shows the completed setting status after pressing the Send button to set the Trom drums.

The drum height preferences can be selected using the window of 16 be changed by using the arrow buttons followed by the OK button. The reset button can be used to reset all drum height values to default values. The register button (register knob) drives the stepper motors until they are blocked at respective stops to register the home position of the respective encoder.

• Registrieren der Schrittmotoren durch Blockieren der Schrittmotoren an ihren jeweiligen Anschlägen (ganz zurückgezogen).
• Die Höhe des Kalibrierstabs eingeben (es sei denn, diese ändern sich nie).
• Die Schrittmotoren am Kalibrierstab blockieren und die Kodierer-Zählungen ablesen.
• Den neuen Versatz für die Kurvenanpassung berechnen, der die Anzahl von Kodiererzählungen in die Schnitthöhe konvertiert (und umgekehrt).
• Die Wert des Versatzes für jeden Schrittmotor in einen nichtflüchtigen Speicher speichern (oder ein Batteriesicherungssystem zur Stromversorgung des Speichers verwenden).
• Ein anderes Verfahren zur Kalibrierung der Schnitthöhe umfasst den Schritt des: Verwendens des Register-Knopfes um die Stellglieder 30, 32 zur registrieren und die Position bezüglich des Hubendes zu bestimmen, entweder ausgefahren oder eingezogen; wenn das System im Betrieb ist, aber nicht aktiv eine Einstellung vornimmt, manuelles Einstellen der Schnitthöhe unter Verwendung eines Schraubenschlüssels, um die jeweiligen Stellglieder 30, 32 zu drehen;
• Drücken des Kalibrierknopfes auf der Schnittstelle 306 für das gerade eingestellte Stellglied, der eine Kalibrierbenachrichtung an die Schnittstelle sendet, die mit den Stellgliedpositionen in Schritten vom Hubende reagiert.

17 shows the cutting height calibration window. By pressing "Calibrate" on the Preferences window ( 16 ) can 17 to be obtained. The cut height calibration button initiates the following steps:

• Register the stepper motors by blocking the stepper motors at their respective stops (fully retracted).
• Enter the height of the calibration bar (unless they never change).
• Block the stepper motors on the calibration bar and read the encoder counts.
• Calculate the new offset for the curve fit that converts the number of encoder counts to the slice height (and vice versa).
• Store the offset value for each stepper motor in a non-volatile memory (or use a battery backup system to power the memory).
• Another method of calibrating the cutting height involves the step of: using the register knob around the actuators 30 . 32 to register and determine the position with respect to the stroke end, either extended or retracted; when the system is in operation but not actively adjusting, manually adjusting the cutting height using a wrench to the respective actuators 30 . 32 to turn;
• Press the calibration button on the interface 306 for the currently set actuator sending a calibration message to the interface that responds to the actuator positions in steps from the stroke end.

18 shows the calibration status for each drum motor. By pressing the OK button, the calibration window, 17 , returned for the next engine to be calibrated.

The 19 - 21 show the windows used for drum counterblade ("R2B") adjustment The drum counterblade function is accomplished by using the following buttons and windows:
Button for selecting which drum to adjust and buttons for "fine" settings for both the left and right stepper motor;
"Do it now" or "send" button to initiate the setting;
preference button
an auto-adjust button for initiating the adjustment according to the preselected preference values; and
an "adjust reel height" button to move to the cutting height settings ( 14 - 18 ).

The Control systems of the invention include an effective operator input station for accurate and quick adjustment of and / or task reassignment for the Drum units, in particular for Multi-drum units used on the most diverse terrains of a Golf course used appropriately become.

The control 300 and / or the interface 306 may include more feasible additional aspects of the invention. It would be useful to know how many times a drum has been sharpened to estimate the remaining life of the drum and / or the bedknife. In this case, the number of actuator registrations and / or calibrations of the distance between the drum and counterknife for each drum unit in the control memory or in the interface 306 provided memory, which is intended for the particular drum unit recorded. As an alternative, through the interface 306 a specific function; manually or automatically, to record and record each sharpening event. This information can be provided to the operator via the interface 306 be accessible.

By using the detector 320 For example, the drum speed may be determined by counting the number of clicks per period when the drum is in contact with the bedknife or by monitoring the sound during operation. The sound monitoring can be based on changes in the sound pressure level or on the characteristics of the detector 320 received sound signal, that is, amplitude, frequency, etc., based. By using the speed detection sensor, it may be possible to use the speed detection sensor 330. to omit as a manufacturing cost savings.

Claims (16)

Control system for a cutting drum unit ( 10 ) with a first frame part ( 18 ); a second frame part ( 22 ); one of the second frame part ( 22 ) supported cutting drum ( 12 ); one next to the cutting drum ( 12 ) and from the second frame part ( 22 ) supported counter-blade ( 14 ); at least one support element ( 24 . 26 ) for translational displacement along the ground and for supporting the first frame part ( 18 ) is arranged; at least one between the first frame part ( 18 ) and the second frame part ( 22 ) associated first actuator ( 30 . 32 ) used to adjust the relative height of the second frame part ( 22 ) with respect to the first frame part ( 18 ) for the purpose of setting a cutting height of the counter-blade ( 14 ), which preferably each have a stepping motor ( 266 ) comprising a threaded spindle ( 260 ) Mechanism which is dependent on the stepper motor ( 266 ) is driven to extend or retract; at least one second actuator ( 202 . 204 ) between the drum ( 12 ) and the second frame part ( 22 ) and for adjusting the distance between the drum ( 12 ) and the counter blade ( 14 ) is arranged; characterized by a controller ( 300 ) associated with the first and second actuators ( 32 . 34 . 202 . 204 ) and an operator interface ( 306 ) with the controller ( 300 ) is connected, the user interface ( 306 ) an operator input part ( 402 ) and a display part ( 404 ), wherein the cutting height and the distance on the display part ( 404 ) and the cutting height and the distance can be displayed by an operator input in the operator input part ( 402 ) can be changed specifically. A control system according to claim 1, further comprising position sensors ( 320 ) with the controller ( 300 ) are signal-connected, wherein the position sensors ( 320 ) the exact height of the drum ( 12 ) with respect to at least one support element ( 24 . 26 ) and the position of the drum ( 12 ) with respect to the counter-blade ( 14 ), whereby the sensors ( 320 ) preferably optical encoders and / or a sound detector ( 320 ) located in the immediate vicinity of the counter-blade ( 14 ) is arranged to allow contact between the cutting drum ( 12 ) while turning and the counter blade ( 14 ) capture. Control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance and the cutting height by the activation of a button on the operator input part ( 402 ) can be reset to a predetermined value and / or at which the operator input part ( 402 ) Has reset buttons which indicate the position of the first actuator ( 30 . 32 ) and calibrate a measured cutting height. Control system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the distance and the cutting height are determined using the operator input part (16). 402 ) from one on the display part ( 404 ) and / or in which the distance and the cutting height can be selected using the operator input part (FIG. 402 ) from one on the display part ( 404 selected list of selectable clearances and cutting heights, and by operator input to the operator input part ( 402 ) can be changed manually. Control system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the operator interface ( 306 ) permanently with the controller ( 300 ) is mounted so that in use with the cutting drum unit ( 10 ) is transported. Control system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drum ( 12 ) and the counter blade ( 14 ) define a cutting line therebetween, the first actuator ( 30 . 32 ) between the frame ( 22 ) and the counter blade ( 14 ) and arranged to adjust the height of the cutting line to a cutting height of the cutting drum unit ( 10 ), with one with the actuator ( 30 . 32 ) signal-connected control ( 300 ), whereby the user interface ( 306 ) preferably with the controller ( 300 ), wherein the cutting height by operator input to the operator input part ( 402 ) is changed and preferably further a display part ( 404 ), wherein the cutting height on the display part ( 404 ) is shown. A control system according to claim 6, wherein the cutting height is achieved by the activation of a button on the operator input part (10). 402 ) can be reset to a predetermined value. A control system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cutting height is determined using the operator input part (16). 402 ) from one on the display part ( 404 ) can be selected and / or in which the cutting height using the operator input part ( 402 ) from one on the display part ( 404 ) and manually edited and stored in a memory in the user interface ( 306 ) can be stored. Control system according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the operator interface ( 306 ) preferably via a serial connection ( 368 ) with the controller ( 300 ) signal is connected and the distance by operator input to the operator input part ( 402 ) via the controller ( 300 ) can be selectively changed to a selection distance, the interface ( 306 ) preferably a display part ( 404 ), wherein the distance on the display part ( 404 ) is shown. Control system according to claim 9, wherein the distance is controlled by the activation of a button on the operator input part (10). 402 ) to a predetermined Value can be reset and / or at which the selection distance using the operator input part ( 402 ) from one on the display part ( 404 selected list of selectable spaces and preferably by operator input to the operator input part ( 402 ) can be changed manually. Control system according to Claim 9 or 10, in which the drive mechanism comprises a stepping motor ( 266 ) and a threaded spindle ( 260 ) Mechanism comprising the stepper motor ( 266 ) is driven to extend and retract and is connected to at least one of the first and second parts. Control system according to one or more of Claims 9 to 11, in which the at least one first actuator ( 202 . 204 ) one of two first actuators ( 30 . 32 . 202 . 204 ) and preferably a stepping motor ( 266 ), and with two housings ( 216 ), wherein a housing ( 216 ) each end of the drum ( 12 ) rotatably supported, wherein the housing ( 216 ) movable on the frame ( 22 ), wherein a first actuator ( 202 . 204 ) near each end of the drum ( 12 ) and wherein the first actuators ( 202 . 204 ) one each with the frame ( 22 ) connected first part and one with a respective one of the two housings ( 216 ), wherein a distance between the first and the second part is adjustable, and a drive mechanism, which is activated to adjust the distance, wherein the first and the second parts preferably in substantially vertical alignment on a front side of the frame ( 22 ) are arranged. Control system according to one or more of Claims 9 to 12, having a position sensor ( 320 ), wherein the position sensor ( 320 ) with the controller ( 300 ) is connected, the controller ( 300 ) with the first actuator ( 202 . 204 ) is connected to the distance based on a position signal from the sensor ( 320 ), the sensor ( 320 ) preferably an optical encoder with a read head connected to the controller ( 300 ) and an optical disk adapted to rotate with an output shaft of the stepping motor ( 266 ) is arranged. A control system according to one or more of claims 9 to 13, further comprising at least one second actuator ( 30 . 32 ) between the frame ( 22 ) and the support element ( 24 . 26 ), wherein the second actuator ( 30 . 32 ) for setting a cutting height of the counter-blade ( 14 ), whereby the controller ( 300 ) with the second actuator ( 30 . 32 ) in order to set the cutting height, wherein the cutting height on the display part ( 404 ) and the cutting height is entered by operator input into the operator input part ( 402 ) via the controller ( 300 ) can be changed. Control system according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, wherein a plurality of selectable cutting height values are displayed on the display part (16). 404 ) and one of the values is entered by operator input into the operator input part ( 402 ) can be selected, the controller ( 300 ) with the second actuator ( 30 . 32 ) to reach the selected value. Control system according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a touch sensor ( 320 ), preferably a sound detector for detecting a contact between the drum ( 12 ) and the counter blade ( 14 ), wherein the controller ( 300 ) is configured to initiate a routine after selecting the one selectable distance as the selection distance, the drum ( 12 ) and the counter blade ( 14 ) are brought together until a touch is detected by the touch sensor, and the controller ( 300 ) then the actuator ( 30 . 32 ) to the drum ( 12 ) by the selected distance from the counter-blade ( 14 ) to separate.